Huw Jenkins has stepped down as Swansea City chairman, saying: “To have lead our football club through the greatest period in the clubs history has been a fantastic experience.”

Calls for Jenkins to stand down have intensified since the Swans went down from the Premier League and he says: “Swansea City has been a massive part of my life from a very young age.

“I have been fortunate to fulfill my childhood dreams over the last 17 years or so providing direction and leadership at the club while moving through the football leagues and competing with the elite of British football in the Premier League for seven seasons.

“Gradually, over the last few seasons, my role as chairman providing such leadership and direction has been eroded.

“Finally, I can sit back no longer, hide behind my position and stay true to myself and my beliefs.”

“The atmosphere we created within the club was without a doubt one of the key factors to our success over many years.

“The directors and staff that worked with me over the last 17 years, supported me with total trust and loyalty. We all shared a true Love for Swansea and we operated like true supporters to run the club from top to bottom.”

Jenkins, aged 55, was appointed chairman in January 2002 and was a huge success.

During his time in the post, Swansea relocated from the Vetch Field to the Liberty Stadium and moved upwards to the Premier League, spending seven seasons in the top tier, and won the League Cup in 2013.

“It comes with great sadness, but I feel I’ve been left with little or no option to leave my position,” said Jenkins.

Swansea City Supporters’ Trust have criticised the club’s owners for lacking ambition and called for Jenkins to stand down.

Now he has stepped back and Swans’ fans are waiting to see how the club’s American owners will react.